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Letters: Take no action against Syria

Posted:
09/14/2013 12:00:00 AM MDT

Take no action against Syria

I am a college graduate, Army veteran, retired career law enforcement officer (30-plus years), taxpayer and also a student of history. It's hard to believe that the U.S. is even considering taking any kind of military action to support the rebels in Syria. Look at history. The French debacle in Indo China, Russia in Afghanistan, U.S. humiliating defeats in Korea, Vietnam, Somalia -- and now Iraq and Afghanistan.

The U.S. spent billions of dollars, and lost thousands of American lives, and nothing changed in any of those countries.

Several years ago I coordinated the security for a Holocaust Museum fund-raiser. Russian President Gorbachev was the keynote speaker. I vividly recall one line of his very moving speech. He said, "Sooner or later the U.S. will realize that it cannot be the policeman for the world."

Apparently, our past and present leaders either haven't studied history or don't understand it. The civil war in Syria does not present any direct threat to the security of our county. With the current "draw down" in U.S. military strength, we can ill afford to become bogged down in another civil war which we cannot win. Just say no!

Hank Webb, Canutillo

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Cheap shot hurled against state rep

I agree with letter writer Mr. Fred L. McDaniel (Sept. 6) that the El Paso Times showed shameless bias against Ms. Naomi Gonzalez (showing her police mug shot in a news story about possible candidates to run against her for state rep). It was obvious and tacky.

The worst thing is that you offer not even a lame excuse when you offend. Newspapers should report, not try to sway public opinion in stories.

If I could read better Spanish I would.

Dump your newspaper.

Dan Santos, East El Paso

Meat inspection program lacking

According to the lead story in a recent Washington Post edition, the meat inspection program that USDA plans to roll out in meat and poultry plants nationwide has repeatedly failed to stop production of contaminated meat. The program allows meat producers to increase the speed of processing lines and replace USDA safety inspectors with their own employees.

But plants operating under this program have experienced some of the worst health and safety violations that include failure to remove fecal matter and partly digested food, according to the USDA inspector general. These contaminants may contain complex strains of deadly E. coli and listeria.

Traditionally, the USDA has catered more to the interests and profitability of the meat industry than health and safety concerns of American consumers. Consumer interests come into play only when large numbers of us get sick. Having the USDA protect consumers is like asking the fox to guard the chicken house.

The Obama administration must reallocate responsibility for consumer safety to the Food and Drug Administration. In the meantime, each of us must assume responsibility for our own safety by switching to the rich variety of plant-based meats offered in local supermarkets.

Ryan Gillbert, East El Paso

Detours much needed to help traffic flow

I've lived on the East Side for several years now, and I still have not seen imperative progress to the intersection of Montwood and McRae. What seems to be endless construction and the cause of much traffic and inevitable tardiness to school and work from time to time has become a ritual scenario every week.

This construction has not finished and seems far from being done. During school hours, Eastwood High School is a mess. There should be some involvement from the school. Maybe there should be a different route to drop off students; the traffic will flow much more efficiently.

Also, instead of traffic merging onto a two-lane road, they need to begin preparation for utilizing detours so people aren't late to work or school.

So, as a member of this community, I think it would be extremely necessary for a solution to this continuous problem.

Selina Legarda, East El Paso

Benghazi legacy still a mess

It has been a year since the U.S. embassy in Libya was attacked and four Americans killed. It has been almost a year since Obama went before the public and made the statement that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. It's been almost a year since then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared before a Congressional committee and made her famous, "What difference does it make?" statement regarding the four dead Americans.

It's been almost a year and Obama continues to make hollow statements that have made the U.S. the laughing stock of friend and foe alike. It's been almost five years since you elected Obama president. Since then he has destroyed our economy with Obamacare and excessive spending, and emasculated our armed forces. I hope he has made you proud, if you were ill-informed enough to vote for him. Congratulations!